ABU DHABI // More than three weeks after residents from across the capital complained about unemptied and uncleaned rubbish bins being left open, there is no answer to the foul-smelling problem.
People in neighbourhoods about the city said the large metal bins, often full of spoilt food and other household waste, posed a health risk and could attract vermin.
With temperatures beginning to rise, the problem is worse.
The Centre of Waste Management (Tadweer) assured residents it would address the issue and take action against people who do not shut their bins.
“It’s an eyesore and it defaces the city’s image that rubbish bins are not regulated properly,” Sajjad Khan, who lives on Electra Street. “It’s a genuine problem for all residents who have to breathe in bad smells because of others who ignore dumping procedure.”
Staff from restaurants, supermarkets and cafeterias are responsible for leaving the lids open throughout the day, claimed Mr Khan, and the rubbish that has been left to pile up over time is rotting down to a thick black, stinking sludge.
Staff from Tadweer said neighbourhood rubbish bins were washed regularly and emptied four times a day. However, many overflowed.
Abdul Kareem, who lives in Madinat Zayed off Muroor Road, said the bins in his neighbourhood were left open almost all the time.
“It’s duty of all residents and dumpers to close them after dumping,” said Mr Kareem, who said the problem is made worse by people who go through the bins looking for recyclables. “There are individuals like can collectors I have seen sorting stuff and leaving the rest on the footpath.”
Tadweer said it was working with contractors to make sure bins were emptied on time.
“We are taking stringent actions to resolve the concerns,” officials said.
“All waste containers are collected, the lids kept closed and the area around and beneath the containers are cleaned daily. Any waste containers with lids left open by any user are closed by the manual cleaning labourers touring the area daily for litter picking services.”
Tadweer said it appointed pest control specialists to clean the bins.
“We don’t know why other dumpers don’t close the lid,” said Ralph, a security guard at a hotel off Fatima bint Mubarak Street. “A foul smell is a problem and other residents need to understand that.”
While there is no framework to punish people who don’t properly close bins after use or enforce rules, the best course of action is to educate residents about the health and hygiene issues, said officials at Tadweer.
Tadweer urged the community to report any issues by calling 800555.
anwar@thenational.ae